Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor’s first christening pictures revealed

The first pictures from the christening of Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor have been released by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have shown off baby Archie as they celebrated his royal christening over the weekend.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex celebrated the eight-week-old boy's christening by the Archbishop of Canterbury at Windsor Castle, with a close group of just 25 friends and family.

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Meghan and Harry cradling little Archie at his christening. Photo credit: Chris Allerton

The christening was a private ceremony, with a small group of just 25 close family members and friends. Photo credit: Chris Allerton

Baby Archie. Picture: Chris Allerton/Sussexroyal/AFP

The palace shared the two adorable snaps on Instagram, saying: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are overjoyed to share the happiness of this day, and would like to thank everyone around the world for their ongoing support. They feel so fortunate to have enjoyed this special moment with family and Archie’s godparents.”

Casual royal-watchers may have been left confused by the inclusion of two less familiar faces in the photo — two women standing between Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland and Harry’s brother Prince William:

The two women in the centre are Lady Jane Fellowes, at left, and Lady Sarah McCorquodale, at right. ALLERTON / SUSSEXROYAL / AFP

The two women are Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale — both sisters of the late Princess Diana:

Diana Princess of Wales with her sisters Lady Sarah Mccorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes circa 1995. Picture: Alan Davidson/Shutterstock

Their inclusion in the christening photos marks another touching nod to Diana’s side of the family, after Harry’s aunties were earlier included in the initial statement announcing Archie’s birth in May.

The beautiful photographs were taken by Chris Allerton in the Green Drawing Room and the Rose Garden at Windsor Castle.

“I am honoured to take the official photographs at the christening of Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, and to once again, be part of such a special and joyous occasion for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex,” he said.

Earlier, Prince William and Kate Middleton were seen arriving in Windsor for the christening of baby Archie.

Prince William seen arriving at the rear of Windsor Castle ahead of the christening of baby Archie. Credit: w8media

Prince William and Kate Middleton drove themselves to the event. Credit: w8media

The christening was held at a private chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle, where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex wed in May 2018.

Flags and posers were out on full display in Windsor ahead of the event, with visitors eager to catch a glimpse of the royals.

Royal superfan John Loughrey, with company from Camilla the dog, prepares flags and posters in celebration of the royal christening of Archie.

Visitors take pictures as the Changing of the Guard takes place, ahead of the royal christening.

A cake from a royal well-wisher in celebration of the royal christening of Archie.

The private ceremony was conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Reverend Justin Welby, who married the new parents. He also conducted the christening of Archie’s royal cousin, Prince Louis.

There were reportedly fewer than 25 guests in attendance and Prince Harry and Meghan have refused to release the names of his godparents in a break with royal protocol out of respect for their privacy.

While it was an intimate occasion, Archie’s christening photos still look like more of a family affair than the official photo from Harry’s own christening:

Prince Charles and Princess Diana with a three-month-old Prince Harry. Picture: PA Images via Getty Images

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The decision to host a private christening has been criticised by royal watchers as it follows a $4.3 million renovation to their Frogmore Cottage home that was funded by UK taxpayers.

However the Duke and Duchess have remained resolute in their desire to manage the media spotlight on their family, previously deciding their son would not have a royal title and refusing to do a photocall on the hospital steps after his birth as the Duchess of Cambridge did for all three of her children.

The images were taken by Chris Allerton, a trusted royal photographer, who also took their wedding photographs and the first pictures of the Sussex family after Archie was born.